arveskifte

Arveskifte is the legal process for settling the estate of a deceased person and distributing its assets among heirs. It covers determining what assets exist, what debts are owed, and how the remaining property should be allocated, either according to a will or according to statutory succession rules when no will exists.

The process is typically handled by a court or a designated administrator, and heirs or executors undertake the administration of the estate. An inventory of assets and liabilities is prepared, assets are valued, and debts and taxes are paid before any distribution.

Distribution follows the will if one exists. If there is no will, the estate is divided according to applicable inheritance rules, which determine the shares of surviving spouses, descendants and other relatives.

The procedure can involve several steps: notification to creditors, validation of claims, possible valuation of real property, payment of taxes, and final settlement with the transfer of assets to heirs. It may take months or years depending on complexity and cooperation.

Disputes or claims against the estate can delay proceedings, and some jurisdictions allow mediation or court hearings to resolve disagreements. The arveskifte process varies by country and local legal traditions, but its core aim is to ensure debts are settled and heirs receive their lawful shares in a transparent and orderly manner.